SS-5

The SS-5 form is used to apply for a new social security card. You will need to submit this form in-person to a social security office in order to update your social security records.

You need to update your SSA records in order to update other government documents such as your driver's license, and to avoid problems with banks and other institutions that require your social security number. After submitting this form, an updated social security card will be sent to your mailing address free of charge within 7 to 14 days.

• In item 1
  • Next to Name to be shown on card, write your new legal name (the one you're changing to)
  • Next to Full name at birth, write your name at birth, from before any name changes.
  • Next to Other names used, write any names you've used other than your new name and your name at birth. If those are the only names you've used, you can leave this blank.
• In item 2, write your current social security number. This will be on your social security card as well as your tax returns or any tax returns listing you as a dependent.
• In item 3, write the city and state where you were born. This should be on your birth certificate if you don't know it.
• In item 4, write your date of birth.
• In item 5, indicate your citizenship/permission-to-work status
• Items 6 and 7 are optional demographic questions.
• In item 8, select the gender you'd like to change to. The Social Security Administration does not currently have the ability to list your gender as non-binary, so choose whatever you're most comfortable with. This does not have to be reflected in your court order or any other documents.
• In item 9, put your mother's birth name in field A. This should be on your birth certificate if you don't know it.
  • You do not need to provide your mother's social security number in field B if you're over 18.
• In item 10, put your father's name. This should be on your birth certificate if you don't know it.
  • You do not need to provide your father's social security number in field B if you're over 18.
• In item 11, indicate whether you've ever received a social security card before. If you're not sure, check "Don't Know"
• In item 12, write your name before the change.
• In item 13, write any previous date of birth. This is only required if you're changing your date of birth.
• In item 14, write the date when you're filling out the form.
• In item 15, write a phone number that you are reachable at.
• In item 16, write the address at which you'd like to receive your new social security card.
• Sign in item 17.
• In item 18, check Self.

Example

Here's what your form should look like once it's finished (Everything I added is in red for emphasis. Use black when you're filling your form out):